Method for the manufacture of brick and tile



Aug. 12, 1969 G. BOWLES 3,461,196

METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICK AND TILE Original Filed March 19,1964 4 Sheets-Sheet l HIS ATTORNEYS 12, 1969 A. e. BOWLES 3,461,196

METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICK AND TILE Original Filed March 19,1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 AIM? Arnold G.- Bow/es HIS A rromvsrs Aug. 12,1969 A. G. BOWLES 3,461,196

' METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF Bmcxmn TILE Original Filed March 19,1.964 '4 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. Arnold G. Bow/es kdai/xww HIS ATTOl-P/VEYS Aug. 12, 1969 A- ca. BOWLES 3, 1,

METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICK AND TILE Original Filed March 19,1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Arnold G. Bow/es H/S ATTORNEYS UnitedStates Patent 3,461,196 METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICK AND TILEArnold G. Bowles, 7 Elm St, Warren, Pa. 16365 Original application Mar.19, 1964, Ser. No. 354,498, now Patent No. 3,350,757, dated Nov. 7,1967. Divided and this application Sept. 14, 1967, Ser. No. 667,753

Int. 'Cl. B28b 11 /16 US. Cl. 264-148 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREMethod for cutting segments having at least one cut edge with a recessedconfiguration to prevent breaking and chipping of the cut edgecomprising cutting a bar from a clay column, forming a plurality ofspaced parallel grooves in at least one surface of the bar and movingthe bar relative to a plurality of stationary cutting wires having thesame spacing as the center lines of the grooves to substantially bisectthe grooves and to cut the bar into segments having at least one edgewith said recessed configuration.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 354,498 filedMar. 19, 1964, now Patent No. 3,350,757.

This invention relates generally to improvements in the manufacture ofbrick and tile and in particular to a new and novel method for cuttingclay bars into brick or tile.

In conventional methods for manufacturing brick and structural facingtile, moist, unfired and pliable fire clay is extruded continuously intoan elongated column which is conveyed onto the cutting table of acutting machine whereupon it is cut transversely. The segmented columnis then hacked or stacked on carts which, when loaded, are conveyed intodrying ovens where the segments, i.e., bricks or tiles, are thoroughlydried preparatory to being fired.

' In the conventional methods the extruded clay column is cut intobricks or tiles as it is being extruded. A wire cutter drags a pluralityof parallel spaced wires through the moving clay column. A slottedcutting table is disposed to support the clay column during cutting, andthe slots in the table permit the wires to pass through after cuttingthe column. Since the column is continuously moving, it is necessary topropel the cutter in the direction of the moving extruded column toavoid a diagonal cut. Thus, the cutting table and :wire cutter aredesigned for limited travel, such travel being synchronized, insofar aspossible, with the direction and speed of the extruded clay. At theconclusion of the cut, the machine returns to its original positionpreparatory for the next cut. The segmented column is pushed from thecutting table onto a succeeding conveyor by the uncut advancing columnof clay. The succeeding conveyor runs at a faster speed than the claycolumn so that the brick or segments are spaced for hacking. An exampleof such conventional apparatus is the Bonnot Saber Electro PneumaticCutter, No. 162, manufactured by The Bonnot Co. of Canton, Ohio, adivision of C. L. Gougler Machine Co., Kent, Ohio.

The conventional method described above produces a 3,461,196 PatentedAug. 12, 1969 cut of variable quality. It is not possible to extrude theclay at an accurately consistent speed so that it is difficult tosynchronize the movement of the cutter with that of the column. The cutis often crooked because the column and the cutter are not accuratelysynchronized as the wires pass through the clay.

In conventional cutting methods the practical speed at which theextrusion machine and cutter may be run is limited because of inertiaproblems. As the extrusion machine is run at higher speeds it becomesincreasingly difficult to effect synchronization of the cutter with theextruded clay column. The method of the present invention provides ameans whereby the speed of extrusion and cutting is not so limited. Inthe present method clay bars are separated from the extruding claycolumn, and the cutter cuts a clay bar rather than a moving column.Since synchronization of an extruded clay column with a moving cutter isnot necessary, the speed of extrusion (and cutting) may be greatlyaccelerated over what has previously been considered to be practical.For example, some conventional cutting operations are limited to speedsof from 30 to 60 feet per minute, but by employing my method it ispossible to utilize speeds of up to feet per minute.

The quality of the surface of brick or tile obtained by employingconventional cutting methods is satisfactory for many applications,particularly where minor edge defects do not show. Such quality is notsatisfactory, however, where a smooth faced brick or tile is desired.For example, where brick or tile is glazed by spraying the face of suchbrick or tile with a slurry of ceramic materials and water prior tofiring so as to obtain a smooth, glossy surface to the face of suchmember, ragged and broken edge defects become quite noticeable andundesirable. A high percentage of glazed tile and brick which has beencut by conventional methods must be rejected and scrapped due to raggedand broken edge defects. Such defects are not readily apparent untilafter firing and, consequently, these rejections are costly.

Edge defects also occur because of handling problems encountered withthe conventionally cut bricks and tiles. For example, in the manufactureof glazed brick and structural tile, the glazed edges are exceptionallyprone to chipping. Among the reasons for chipping is the fact that whenthe tile is glazed, the spray of glazing material is applied with theadjacent pieces abutting one another along their wire cut edges. Thisresults in the glaze bridging the gap from brick to brick or tile totile along the line of the out. Also, when the ware is set on kilncarts, two or more pieces are frequently set as a unit with their cutedges abutting one another so that the wet glaze will bridge the gap.This causes the pieces to become joined by the glaze along the abuttingtop square edges. Upon breaking the pieces apart, the glaze at the edgesbreaks unevenly and frequently large pieces of glaze will chip off thebrick surface.

A common edge defect is caused by setting marks. It is general practiceto cross-set brick or tile on kiln carts. Such setting consists ofstacking the greenware with their long edges meeting at right angles.The weight of the setting or abutting extruded clay segments causes thepieces to bed into one another to some degree. The deformation socaused, though small, is very noticeable along the cut edges of glazedbrick or tile that is cut and glazed in the conventional manner.

Another reason for excessive chipping of the edges of glazed ceramictile or brick is caused by the fact that the method of cutting with awire results in a sharp, strained edge which is very susceptible tobreakage when stressed. Where bricks or tiles are cross-set, rocking orjostling such as is normally encountered when kiln carts are moved,causes excessive chipping of the abutting edges. The stresses imposed bythe cutting method employed causes the edges to be weakened and,consequently, easily broken.

I have devised a method for cutting an extruded clay column whereby itis not necessary to move the cutter and synchronize its motion with thatof the relatively erratic extrusion in order to obtain a straight cut.By employing my method, a brick or tile may be produced that is notsusceptible to edge defects caused by stresses imposed by wire cutting.The brick or tile produced by my method is not susceptible to edgechipping when glazed. Also, greenware produced by my method may becross-set in the conventional manner without fear of offensive settingmarks.

In the drawings, I have illustrated apparatus for carrying out preferredembodiments of my invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clay extrusion cutter and associatedapparatus;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged and fragmented perspective view of a portion ofthe cutter of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 31: and 3b are fragmented perspective views of the chipped edgesof conventionally cut and glazed tile (FIG. 3a) and of the edges of tileproduced by the method of the present invention (FIG. 3b);

FIG. 3c is a fragmented perspective view of a tile, produced inaccordance with the present invention, showing setting marks caused by across-set tile (shown in dotted outline);

FIG. 4 is a fragmented cross-sectional view along the longitudinaldimensions of an extruded column of fire clay that exhibits transversegrooves formed into its top surface in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a wire cutter and receiving table which maybe used to perform a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 after having positioneda clay bar for cutting; and

FIGS. 7 and 8 are end elevation views of the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6showing a green clay bar being cut.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings a wire cutter shown generally at 10 ispositioned along a conveyor 12 that is disposed to receive and convey anextruded fire clay col= umn 14.

Column 14 is pushed by an extrusion machine (not shown) through anextrusion die 16 onto the cutting table 18 of a wire cutter (not shown)that is disposed to effect a single cut of the column 14 by means of avertical stroke of wire 20.

The wire cutter associated with table 18 and wire 20 may be ofconventional construction and is not shown or described in detail in thepresent specification. Such a machine is not required to effect highlyaccurate cuts of column 14 since the end pieces of clay bars cut fromthe extrusion are scrapped and returned to the extrusion machine forsalvage.

When the extrusion column 14 is extruded beyond table 18, it slides overbelt 22 of conveyor 12. When it intersects the light path 24 directed bylight source 28 to photoelectric cell 26, an electric impulse causes thewire cutter that is associated with table 18 and wire 20 to propel wire20 vertically to cut a clay bar of predetermined length from column 14.The clay bar continues to be pushed forward onto conveyor 12 by actionof the severed column 14. As the bar is pushed along belt 22 of conveyor12, it interrupts the light path 32 of another light source 36 which isdirected to photoelectric cell 34. This creates an electric impulse thatcauses conveyor 12, which has been at rest, to start up and transfer theclay bar forward at a speed faster than the extrusion rate of thesevered column 14 so that column 14 is separated from the clay bar.

When the front end of the clay bar interrupts light path 38, which isdirected to photoelectric cell 40 by source 42, an electric impulsecauses the conveyor 12 to stop and simultaneously causes a verticallypositioned pneumatic cylinder 44 to extend its plunger so as to lower agate 46 in front of the bar. Momentum carries the clay bar against thegate 46 so that it is indexed between horizontally positioned frames 52and 54. In FIG. 1, bar 30 is in the position described wherein it abutsgate 46 after having caused pneumatic cylinder 44 to lower the gate andstop conveyor 12 by interrupting light path 38.

Frame members 52 and 54 are mounted on the ends of the plungers ofpneumatic cylinders 48 and 50. As soon as the conveyor 12 has stopped,cylinders 48 and 50 extend their plungers so as to convey frame members52 and 54 into engagement with the sides of the bar 30. Frames 52 and 54are provided with opposing vertically mounted knife blades 56 whichpress opposing vertical grooves 58 in the sides of the bar as theplungers of cylinders 48 and 50 are extended. The cylinders 48 and 50are disposed to extend their plungers only momentarily so that theyimmediately retract frames 52 and 54 to the position shown in FIG. 1.The cylinder 44 is activated to retract its plunger and raise gate 46 atthe conclusion of the strokes of cylinders 48 and 50. Such operation andcycle is timed so that it is complete by the time the next bar, cut fromclay column 14 by wire 20, has interrupted light path 32.

The conveyor restarts and conveys the clay bar to the position occupiedby clay bar 60 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The front end of aclay bar advancing from the position of bar 30 to the position of bar 60contacts a fixed (but adjustable) stop 62 so as to be indexed adjacentwire cutter 10. As the bar reaches this position, the conveyor 12 stopssince the succeeding bar interrupts light path 38 to assume the positionof bar 30 (FIG. 1). As the conveyor 12 comes to a stop, a pneumaticcylinder 64 is energized to extend its plunger and contact the side ofthe clay bar with a pusher block 66 which pushes the clay bar laterallythrough fixed vertically mounted wires 68 of the cutter 10 and ontolaterally extending conveyor belt 69. Thus, the clay bar is cut by thewires 68 into segmented bricks or tiles as it is pushed laterally ontothe conveyor belt 69 of a laterally extending conveyor. Segmented bar 70(FIG. 1) is one which has been pushed through the wire cutter 10 bypusher block 66. A slide plate 71 provides support for the clay bars asthey are transferred laterally from conveyor 12 onto conveyor belt 69.

Wires 68 of wire cutter 10 are vertically mounted to frame members (notshown) in a conventional manner. These wires are accurately indexed bymeans of horizontally mounted cylindrical bars 72 and 74 (see FIG. 2).The cylindrical bars 72 and 74 are provided with spaced circumferentialgrooves 76. The circumferential grooves 76 are spaced along thecylindrical bars 72 and 74 so that each circumferential groove 76 ofcylindrical bar 72 is vertically aligned with correspondingcircumferential grooves 76 of cylindrical bar 74. Each of the wires 68extend through a corresponding pair of circumferential grooves 76 oncylindrical bars 72 and 74 so as to be vertically indexed betweencylindrical bars 72 and 74 for cutting the indexed clay bars along theirvertical grooves 58.

A shaft 80 is rotatably mounted adjacent and parallel to cylindrical bar72. A plurality of discs 82 are mounted along the shaft 80. Discs 82 areadjustably mounted to the shaft 80 and may be positioned along itslength. As shown in FIG. 2, discs 82 are indexed along shaft 80 so thattheir planes of rotation coincide with the spaced circumferentialgrooves 76 of cylindrical bar 72, the corresponding grooves 76 ofcylindrical bar 74 and the vertically mounted wires 68. Shaft 80 ismounted in front of and slightly below cylindrical bar 72 so that discs82 contact the surface of a clay bar being pushed laterally fromconveyor 12 through wire cutter and form transverse grooves 86 along itstop surface before the clay bar is cut by the wires 68. Since wires 68extend through the planes of rotation of discs 82, the clay bar is cutalong grooves 86. Also, the clay bar is indexed on conveyor 12 when itcontacts stop 62 so that as it is pushed laterally through wire cutter18, wires 68 bisect vertical grooves 58.

It will be noted that the transverse grooves formed in the clay bar bydiscs 82 are aligned with vertical grooves 58.

Pusher bar 66 is provided with a plurality of vertically disposedparallel spaced slots 78 along its clay bar contacting face. Slots 78are spaced to coincide with wires 68 and when pusher bar 66 contacts aclay bar in which grooves 58 have been formed, the slots 78 willcoincide with the grooves 58. As the pusher bar 66 completes pushing aclay bar through the wire cutter 10 and wires 68 emerge from thetrailing edge of the clay bar through the grooves '58, they are receivedby the slots 78 and the segmented bars may be pushed laterally beyondwire cutter 10 onto conveyor belt 69.

Slots 78 must be of sufiicient depth to account for the fact that duringcutting the wires 68 will be bowed in the manner shown by FIG. 2.

Indexing or cylindrical bars 72 and 74 and rotatably mounted shaft 86are mounted to frame members (not shown) in an obvious conventionalmanner. The size of the individual tiles or bricks 84 may be quickly andeasily adjusted by removing the indexing bars 72, 74, and pusher bar 66and replacing them with ones having the resired spaced circumferentialgrooves 76 and slots 78 respectively. Discs 82 may be appropriatelyadjusted along the shaft 80 and may be attached to the shaft 80 by meansof set screws (not shown) or other convenient means.

Shaft 80 may be positioned adjacent cylindrical bar 72 so that discs 82partially extend into the circumferential grooves 76. By thisarrangement discs 82 are properly indexed along shaft 80 so as to bealigned with wires 68 and grooves 58.

Since the cutting machine that is disposed to actuate wire 20 and cutcolumn 14 into clay bars effects such a cut on a moving clay column, theends of the clay bar are not perfectly vertical and have not been cutalong grooves. Knife blades 56 of frames 52 and 54, discs 82 and wires68 of wire cutter 10 are indexed so that when cutting the clay barsalong grooves 58 and 86, short end pieces 59 are provided to eliminateuse of the rough cut ends of the clay bars. These pieces are returnedfor reuse in the extrusion machine.

Grooves 86 and 58 provide the segmented clay bars or greenware brick ortile with a recessed edge. When the brick or tile is to be glazed, sucha recessed edge provides protection against chipping and setting marksas will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The exact contour of the grooves is, of course, dependent on the shapeof the discs 82 or knife blades 56. It is preferred that these groovesbe formed in such a manner that they provide a rounded edge to the faceof the brick or tile. Such a groove is illustrated by thecross-sectional view of FIG. 4. In this figure, grooves 86 have beenformed by discs 82 to provide rounded corners 79. The resultant brick ortile, when glazed, will exhibit smooth and even edges.

In FIG. 3a. there is shown the corners of two adjacent glazed tiles 91and 93 of conventional manufacture which were positioned with cut edgesadjacent one another during the spraying of glazing materials onto theirsurfaces 88. These pieces were then dried while still positionedadjacent one another, and when separated, visible ragged edges 90resulted.

The tiles 95 and 97 of FIG. 3b were positioned with wire cut edgesadjacent one another, sprayed with glazing material and separated in asimilar manner to the tiles of FIG. 3a, except these tiles were cut byan apparatus embodying features of the present invention such as thatshown by FIG. 1, and the cuts were effected along grooves such asgrooves 86 and 58. The ragged or chipped wire cut edge 92 is not on theedge of the face of the tile as in the case of the tile of FIG. 3a,instead, is along the side where it will not show when the block is laidin the con ventional manner. The edges 94 of the tiles 9'5 and 97 aresmooth and sharp.

FIG. 3c is a fragmented perspective view of two clay (as extruded andcut) cross-set tiles. These pieces are set on their sides, as is commonpractices, to protect their faces. The top tile 75 is shown in dottedoutline so that the setting marks 81 on the side of the bottom tile 77are clearly discernible. Setting marks 81 are, of course, caused by thepieces bedding into one another. In a conventionally cut piece thesetting marks extend along the side of the tile into its face so as tobe offensively noticeable. Tile 77, however, was fabricated inaccordance with the present invention so as to be provided with arecessed edge 87 and marks 81 terminate at edge 87 rather than extendinto face 85.

In FIGS. 5 through 8, a wire cutter performs the function of wire cutter10 of the apparatus of FIG. 1. A column of clay 114 is extruded from anextruding machine (not shown) in a manner similar to that by whichcolumn 14 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is extruded. Clay column 114slides over a fixed table 118 that is formed with a plurality of spacedparallel fingers 119 extending in the direction of wire cutter 110. Claybars are cut from the column 114 by a wire 120 which is part of avertical wire outter (not shown) that responds to an electric impulsecreated when column 114 interrupts the light path 124 directed to aphotosensitive device 126.

The severed clay bar continues to be conveyed from table 118 onto atable 112 by action of the severed column 114. Table 112 is formed withspaced parallel extending fingers 122 which extend toward table 118 andwhich are complementary with and extend between the fingers 119 of table118.

A double acting pneumatic cylinder 123 with a double ended rod 113 ismounted to a frame member 125 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Depending leaves 128mounted to each end of table 112 are attached to the ends of the rod 113of cylinder 123. When a clay bar is cut from column 114 and extends ontothe table 112 by being pushed by column 114 so that it interrupts lightpath 130 that is directed to photosensitive device 132, the cylinder 123is activated to move the table 112 into a position adjacent wire cutter110 (see FIG. 6). The clay bar 160 comes to rest against a fixed stop134 and is indexed in respect to wire cutter 110.

Fingers 122 of table 112 slide from under column 114 but remain adjacentfingers 119 of table 118 so that column 114 is offered continued supportthough table 112 has advanced clay bar 160 to a position adjacent wirecutter 110.

At the instant the clay bar 160 engages the fixed stop 134, a pneumaticcylinder 136 is activated to extend its plunger and advance a pusherplaten 138 to push or transfer the clay bar laterally from table 112under the horizontally positioned cutting wires 140 of wire cutter 110and onto an elevator platform 142.

The cutting wires 140 of wire cutter 110 are horizontally mounted to aframe (not shown) and extend laterally from the direction of movement oftable 112.

Two cylindrical indexing bars 144 and 146 are mounted in a commonhorizontal plane to frame members (not shown) and are provided withcircumferential grooves 148 which perform the function of grooves 76 ofindexing bars 72 and 74 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. The wires140 extend through the bottom portions of grooves 148. Two rotatablehorizontally positioned shafts 150 and 152 (FIG. 7) are mounted to framemembers (not shown) and are positioned adjacent to and parallel with thecylindrical indexing bars 144 and 146, respectively. Both shafts 150 and152 are provided with a plurality of adjustable discs 154 which arealigned with the circumferential grooves 148 of the indexing bars 144and 146 and the indexed wires 140.

Discs 154, mounted to shaft 150, are positioned to form indexedtransverse grooves into the top of a clay bar as it is transferredlaterally from table 112 onto elevator platform 142.

As the clay bar is transferred from table 112 to elevator platform 142,it meets a retractable stop 156. Retractable stop 156 is mounted to theplunger of pneumatic cylinder 158 and these members are disposed toposition the clay bar 160 on the platform 142. As stop 156 and cylinder158 position bar 160, pneumatic cylinders 136 and 123 retract theirplungers so that platen 138 and table 112 are positioned to receiveanother clay bar. Platform 142 is mounted to the plunger of a verticallymounted pneumatic cylinder 162. As soon as clay bar 160 is positioned onplatform 142, pneumatic cylinder 162 extends its plunger so thatplatform 142 is elevated and the clay bar 160 is pushed upwardly and cutby wires 140 into segments (see FIG. 8).

Discs 154 of rotatable shafts 150 and 152 are positioned slightly insideof and below indexing bars 144 and 146 so that as clay bar 160 isconveyed upwardly, these discs bear on the sides of the bar 160 and formmatching vertical grooves in the sides of the bar in advance of thecutting wires 140. The vertical grooves formed by discs 154 of bothshafts 150 and 152 connect with the transverse grooves formed across thetop of bar 160 by discs -154 of shaft 150 during lateral transfer of thebar from table 112. Also, both the transverse top and vertical sidegrooves formed by discs 154 are indexed so that wires 140 substantiallybisect such grooves.

Elevator platform 142 is formed with slots 164 (FIG. which are alignedwith and receive wires 140 so that when cylinder 162 has fully extendedits plunger, wires 140 are positioned within the slots 164 of platform142 and the top surface of platform 142 is on a level with a fixedplatform 166 to which the now segmented clay bar 166 is to betransferred. Slots 164 of platform 142 also receive the forming discs154 when the platform is elevated.

When platform 142 reaches its highest position, a pusher platen 168which is mounted on the plunger of a pneumatic cylinder 170 pushes thenow segmented clay bar onto the fixed platform 166 in the manner shownin dotted outline by FIG. 8. As soon as such transfer is complete,pneumatic cylinders 162 and 170 retract their plungers and platen 168and platform 142 return to the positions shown by FIG. 7. In theinterim, table 112 will have positioned a clay bar which will now betransferred by pneumatic cylinder 136 and platen 138 from table 112 ontoplatform 142.

It will be understood that the actions of the apparatus utilized incarrying out the method of the present invention are synchronized so asto be substantially continuous in periodically cutting columns 14 and114 into clay bars, transferring such bars from tables 18 and 118 ontoconveyor 12 and table 112, respectively, and positioning such barsadjacent cutters and 110, and processing clay bars through the cuttersso as to provide a constant supply of bricks or tiles.

The method of the present invention may be carried out by the apparatusshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in FIGS. 58 which provide a recessed edgealong the transverse cut edges of the tile or brick since these edgeshave been cut transversely from clay columns 14 and 114 along transversegrooves. The vertical cut edges of the brick or tile are also formedwith recessed edges since the wire cuts take plate along verticallyformed grooves.

The top extruded edges 83 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the tiles or brickswhich correspond to the top edges of columns 14 and 114 have not beenrecessed. These edges are even and acceptable since they are extrudedrather than cut edges. However, if it is desirable to effect recessededges along the ends or sides of the pieces corresponding to the topedges of the extruded column, this may be readily accomplished byproviding an extrusion die of a contour that will provide such shape tothe edges of the extrusion.

Where only one face of the brick or tile is to be glazed, it will not benecessary to effect the vertical grooves, the application of verticalgrooves on one or both sides of the clay bar being optional andpreferred only where one or more sides of the brick or tile is to beglazed or the appearance of the side of the piece is of importance.

In the apparatus shown in the drawings the groove forming discs (discs82 of FIGS. 1-3 and discs 154 of FIGS. 58) are shown to be positioned tocontact the surface of either a laterally moving clay bar (FIGS. 1-3) ora vertically moving clay bar (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the grooves are formedin the surfaces of the bar in advance of the cutting wires (wires 68 ofFIG. 1 and of FIG. 5).

Although this sequence of forming the grooves constitutes a preferredembodiment of my invention it is obvious that such discs may beconveniently positioned to the grooves after the cutting wires havepassed through the clay bar. For example, in the embodiment shown byFIG. 2 discs 82 could be positioned on the opposite side of the indexingbar 72 and grooves 86 would be between the cut edges of the tiles orbricks 84. Discs 154 (FIG. 7) could be positioned above indexing bars144 and 146. Also, frames bearing knife blades, such as frames 52 and 54(FIG. 1) may be positioned to form grooves in the clay bars after theyare segmented and before the segments are separated. Since the extrudedclay is relatively soft and pliable the results would be substantiallythe same.

Since the method of the present invention involves the cutting ofindividual clay bars which are individually pushed through wire cutterswhich are vertically or horizontally mounted in a stationary manner,particularly desirable, clean and square cuts are obtained. Also, sincethe clay bars are grooved by means of knife blades 56 and discs 82 ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 and discs 154 of the embodiments ofFIGS. 5 through 8, the resulting tile or brick has improved edges whichprovide distinctive advantages over brick or tile cut by prior artmethods, particularly where such tile is to be glazed and where tile orbrick is to be cross-set on carts in the usual manner.

I claim:

1. A method of forming a plurality of segments from a column of claymoving along a cutting table comprising:

(1) cutting an elongated bar from said clay column;

(2) moving said bar away from said column at a rate of speed in excessof the rate of movement of said column to separate said bar from saidcolumn;

(3) interrupting the movement of said bar;

(4) forming a plurality of spaced grooves transversely of at least oneelongated surface of said bar with the apexes of said grooves spaced incorrespondence with the size of said segments; and

(5) cutting said bar into segments at said grooves.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grooves are formed inopposite vertical faces of said bar and in the upper face of said barand said grooves on said vertical and upper faces are aligned.

3. Method of forming a plurality of segments from a column of claymoving along a cutting table comprising:

(1) cutting an elongated bar from said clay column;

(2) moving said bar away from said column at a rate of speed in excessof the rate of movement of said column to separate said bar from saidcolumn;

(3) interrupting the movement of said bar at a first position;

(4) forming a plurality of spaced grooves transversely of at least oneelongated surface of said bar With the apexes of said grooves spaced incorrespondence With the size of said segments;

(5) moving said grooved bar to a second position; and

(6) cutting said bar into segments at said grooves.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said grooves are formed bypressing.

5. A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said bar is cut intosegments by moving said bar past stationary cutting Wires having thesame spacing as the apexes of said grooves to produce a recessed portionon a cut edge 1 of each segment.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1887 Nesmith 83-9 12/1900Staley 25105 8/1914 Warstler 25-110 3/1915 Smith 264-148 10/1915 Gerbsch25112 10/1923 Simpson 25105 9/1934 Mooney 264-148 US. Cl. X.R.

